29 Under-30 Powerhouses Poised To Change The World

Forget everything you’ve been told about how apathetic young people are today; these 29 innovators are taking an array of creative and professional fields by storm, all before their 30th birthdays. From designers, inventors, and dancers to activists and politicians, we’re showcasing the young game-changers who push us to keep questioning boundaries and shaping a more equal, empathetic world. Taking inspiration from the second installment of 29Rooms, we’re investigating the role of power in these trailblazers' work — how it energizes them to spur meaningful change — and the inspiring mentors from whom they’re drawing strength.

Ahead, hear how they’ve harnessed their power to truly change the world — and where it’s taking them next.29Rooms — Refinery29’s magical art and fashion funhouse — is back for its second year, kicking off during NYFW, from September 9 to 11. We’re bringing our commitment to women claiming their power to life through the event’s theme, “Powered by People.” To celebrate this sense of possibility, we’ve curated content that embodies our theme and pushes you to do more — start the conversations you want to hear, make change. We built our dream world and want to inspire you to power your own. For more information on the 29Rooms event and our initiative, click here.

"When I started Bee Sweet Lemonade, I thought I'd have to choose between making money and helping save the bees, and over time I realized that I could do both, and be what is called a 'social entrepreneur.'" — NBC News

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"I try to be the person that’s often hard to find. I want to be supportive, to keep people educated about the social injustices we face in our society, and to share my art and experiences. The youth art collective I run with Lola — the Electrick Girls — is all about exactly those wants, and existing as a space for girls who feel like they don’t have a positive outlet for their identities, opinions, or creativity. Using social media as a platform has become a tangible way for people to make a better world, and I absolutely love being a part of it."

Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I feel the most powerful when I’m interacting with the people I love and who love me just the same. Even when it’s on Instagram, being able to know that there are people behind the profiles is so amazing. Support and feedback really matters to me, because it shows I’m making an impact, no matter how small."

If you had a superpower, what would it be?"Love so powerful it would bring love, respect, and education into the brains of others. White supremacy, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and misogyny would come to a halt. The cultures of the oppressed would be valued, women would be valued, people would see the value in themselves. We’d see people who would normally perpetuate hate instead perpetuate love, appreciation, and equality. Of course, an ideal world isn’t realistic, but people like Donald Trump would realize the error of their ways, and that’s an amazing thing to dream about."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"I don’t hold much power in this society as a Black queer girl. But I do have a voice and a sense of power on social media. It’s amazing how people have taken a platform designed to share arbitrary sentimental thoughts and photos, and created movements. I use my virtual power to create safe and positive spaces for young girls who feel like they’re creating, shouting, or existing in this imaginary void. I created the Electrick Girls with Hope to show that we aren’t alone, but a part of an intertwined and diverse community."If you had a superpower, what would it be?"I guess this doesn't really count as a superpower, but I'd want to be able to read people's energy and tell them what they need to hear when they need to hear it. There comes a lot of moments when we really need reassurance or some sort of sign to make us feel less lost. Authentic psychic readings really interest me a lot. I'd want to be able to tell people what they need to hear in order to heal and positively progress in life."

"My larger goal is to affect and empower more Black girls, because I know how important it has been to me to see representations of myself out there through role models like Ava DuVernay and Laverne Cox and FKA Twigs--artists who are inspiring and creative and carefree." — BuzzFeed

5 of 29

Name: Stephanie KurlowAge: 14Claim To Fame: Dancer working to become the first hijab-wearing professional ballerina Hometown: Sydney, AustraliaHow are you using your power to change the world for the better?"I'm voicing my story out to the world. I'm using my social media platforms to inspire other people to achieve their dreams regardless of their faith, race, or background. I'm doing everything I can to make young people believe they are capable of anything."Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"I have so many role models; it's hard to pick only a few! But I really do have admiration towards Misty Copeland and Michaela de Prince, who are changing the face of ballet. However one of my main inspirations is Lilly Singh; she is a YouTuber and creator and is so incredible. Her drive to change the world is amazing, and I look up to her every day."Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I feel the most powerful when I perform. Once I step on that stage and tell a story and express myself, I have this amazing feeling of power and happiness, and I love that."If you had a superpower, what would it be?"That's such a difficult question! But I'd love to be able to be anyone, that would be so much fun."Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is freedom."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"The power I posses as an 18-year-old female filmmaker living in New York City is fed by the inspiration that I get from the kids I film and highlight, who are climbing the same ladder as I am. Oftentimes the most talented people my age aren’t given outlets to show the amount of dedication that is put into their art, and if I in any sense can give them my filmmaking as a platform to expand on their love for whatever work they do, then I would say I am successfully using my passion, or 'power,' to give them power and a voice for themselves."Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"With my dad being a cinematographer, I was lucky enough to grow up very immersed in the behind-the-scenes side of the film world. It's there that I gained insight into women in the film industry who have come to inspire me so deeply as a filmmaker. Women who have broken through the glass ceiling...such as Shonda Rhimes, who rewrote the playbook in the traditionally white-male world of Hollywood. In the art world, I'm mesmerized by Yayoi Kusama, whose breathtaking infinity room drove me to create my 'Double Tap' installation for the Spring/Break Art show. Women like them have shown me the infinite possibilities and outcomes of working hard, leaving me humbled and inspired. They say 'If you see it, you can be it,' and this short list is inspiring me to be it."Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is my generation."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"If my power is writing, I suppose my goal is to get to the heart of things, that gory innermost realm, and honestly represent what's there. In the most basic sense, I hope to make people feel less lonely, to know there is someone listening with inappropriately pricked ears. I also do drag with my partner Silk Worm; in that regard, I guess my power would be the ability to suspend good judgment and get gross. A world that understood gender as funny, fluid, and un-precious would definitely be a better one."

Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"Power is a strange word. I would say there are moments after finishing a piece of writing when I feel remarkably in control, as if my interior life and the external world have finally, for a few blissful moments, aligned. Sometimes, when out and about, I scale back and imagine what my younger self would think of the person I am now, how thrilled and shocked she would be (it did get better??); this realization makes me feel desperately grateful, and thus powerful. And, not to go there, but in the rarest and messiest moments, I feel powerful when dancing in a really good outfit." If you had a superpower, what would it be?"When I was little I used to have a recurring daydream about being able to touch someone and feel exactly what they were feeling. It would also be great if I could tone down my B.O."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?I'm on a mission to move the virtual reality industry beyond the hype and make it more accessible. Entrypoint is bringing everyday people into virtual reality experiences—from any device, anywhere in the world. We’re building a VR distribution solution that makes premium experiences accessible on desktop, mobile, and tethered VR hardware.

I'm also on a social mission. I want to help young women who dream of being either virtual reality directors or engineers access to the latest VR tech. I'm using my power to make sure this industry doesn't become like Hollywood, where the majority of creative influencers are male. We're partnering with groups like Refinery29 to do so.

Where or when do you feel the most powerful? Recently, I've felt powerful when I've made a decision that has real impact. There is a sort of thrill in finding what comes next.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? To read ancient, indecipherable text.

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"I am creating video content for R29's YouTube series Try Living with Lucie that I hope will inspire viewers to make small changes for the better. I've received messages from people all over the world who say my series has motivated them to learn a new skill, cut back on processed sugar, reduce the amount of trash they produce, and more. Each message drives me to produce more content and reach a wider audience." Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"My twin sister has been a huge inspiration; she's a badass woman who works in finance, a career field dominated by men. Even still, she knows exactly what she wants and goes after it aggressively." Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I find inner power when I'm sitting in front of my editing software, piecing a video together. I feel strong and capable knowing that I have the ability to control the narrative of a video that millions of women around the world will watch." If you had a superpower, what would it be?"Flying, flying, flying. I fly in my dream almost every night and check myself for wings in the morning."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"By speaking up always."

Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"There has never been one woman, all women who come into my life at different moments in time have inspired me in one way or another."

Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I feel the most powerful when I’m dancing or sharing honestly with someone."

If you had a superpower, what would it be?"I would want to be able to teleport, so i could be anywhere in a split second."

Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is vulnerability."

13 of 29

Name: Tanzila KhanAge: 25Claim To Fame: Disability advocate and founder of Creative Alley, a production company that spotlights disabled storytellers. Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"I use a power that we all have. It is the power of mind. If you can think your way through, no problem is bigger than the power of your mind."

Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"As a disabled woman, I did not find any role models who I could relate to and [who] could inspire me to rise. So I decided to fill the void in the world." Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I feel the most powerful when I meet a challenge, whether it’s an audience or a limitation. When my heartbeat rises, adrenaline is pumped, and [my] palms get sweaty. I feel great then, because that's when I have met my match."

If you had a superpower, what would it be?"Telepathy. This way, I can let leaders and prominent people know how I really feel, without filters." Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is choice."

14 of 29

Name: Erin SchrodeAge: 25Claim To Fame: Candidate for United States Congress and cofounder of Turning Green, a non-profit focused on sustainabilityHometown: Marin County, California How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"We each have the power to be agents of change, but too few act upon that. For 11-plus years, since cofounding Turning Green, I’ve worked to inspire, educate, and mobilize young leaders around conscious living — focusing on environmental education and advocacy. Every single one of us has the capacity to affect change in our daily lives, schools, communities; individual and local choices have massive ripple effects on a global level... I announced my run for U.S. Congress earlier this year to redefine civic engagement, to reinvigorate a culture of public service, and to expand the definition of who can be a politician, while adding value to society. Environmental and public health, learning, and the future of work, human rights, tech innovation — these are the issues of our time, these are the issues that I am bringing to the table, these are the issues for which we can and must hold elected officials accountable."Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I feel most powerful when I am working boots-on-the-ground, when I am interacting with people in ways that add value to their lives and our world, when I am speaking face-to-face to, sharing with, and learning from students (young brilliant minds!) and the public at large. I have never felt like I was doing anything more relevant than being on the campaign trail with my recent Congressional bid —because I was able to connect directly with community — to tell my story, speak to the issues that matter, outline a path for progress — and address how to best deliver solutions to the most pressing challenges. That is real-world, lasting, positive impact."Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is being the change you wish to see in the world. I’m on a mission to inspire others to discover, activate, and own that inner strength for positive outward impact."

15 of 29

Name: Kerby Jean-RaymondAge: 26Claim To Fame:DesignerHometown: Brooklyn, New York

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"In addition to donating money and time to causes, I am trying to remain consistent in opening up dialogue around issues that were once deemed 'un-sexy' by the fashion world. In doing this, I am hoping that it creates a domino effect with people around the industry doing the same."

Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"When my mother passed I was 7, so many women stepped in and helped my dad raise me, starting with my sister, my godmother, and my aunt Nirva. In my teenage years, Kay Unger came into my life and helped set the groundwork for the artist I am and will become. The most impressive woman in my life currently is my girlfriend, who is my rock and a firecracker who manages every aspect of my day-to-day life. I couldn’t do much without her."

Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I feel the most powerful with a sketch pad in front of me. Knowing whatever I choose to put on paper can influence someone later is pretty cool."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"As a photojournalist, I believe I have the responsibility to report the news, record history, help elevate community stories, and advocate where I see injustice. This holds true whether I'm working in Yemen, on issues of post-conflict repatriation, or photographing the harvest season in my hometown. Yet, power doesn't exist only in the public sphere. Something I've become acutely aware of this past year, particularly in my work as a nurse, is how we as individuals have the power to change someone's life (or just their day) through a conversation or simply listening."Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"When I'm running, at least on good days. I competed in college, and the best days were when my body and mind felt powerful, remembering all the things they had both overcome."

If you had a superpower, what would it be?"If it was an altruistic power, to heal any illness. If it was just for me, to fly, not just around earth, but into outer space and explore the universe."Fill in the blank: Power is ..."Power is subjective. (What seems like power to one may be weakness to another)."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"My power is creating content that is sincere, genuine, and honest. In a world where we’re surrounded by so much noise, I gravitate toward stories that move me because they cut through the noise and touch my heart. As a young audio producer who is new to the field (I started Millennial 1.5 years ago), I’m driven to make content that moves people in the same vein, so they feel less alone, and they see the benefits of being open and sharing their own personal stories." Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"My mother. When she was my age, she’ll tell you herself, she didn’t have a lot of confidence in her life and couldn’t see the power of her own potential. She was too afraid to become an artist, so she became a wife and a mother. But she tirelessly challenges herself to change how she perceives herself. She’s pushed herself into uncomfortable situations that have forced her to grow, like driving across the country by herself to Colorado and moving out of the house she shared with my father for 40 years. She's changed her life by changing herself first, which takes a lot of self-reflection, diligence, and work.

"At age 67, after she retired from teaching. She has become the person she's always wanted to be — a confident, talented watercolorist.

"She also purposely raised me to be everything she wasn’t. She taught me to make goals for my life that never limited me, and has always supported my untraditional path. She never tells me what to do, but constantly helps me reveal I already know the answers to my own decisions.

"I am who I am because of my mother."Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is a solid sense of self that isn't swayed by external forces."

18 of 29

Name: Yaa GyasiAge: 27Claim To Fame: Novelist, author of HomegoingHometown: Huntsville, AlabamaHow are you using your power to change the world for the better?"I write fiction and I hope that through that fiction I can lend a voice to those whose stories are often overlooked."Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"Toni Morrison, Audre Lorde, Michelle Obama."

Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"At my desk, on the page."If you had a superpower, what would it be?"Listening to that which is unspoken."Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is knowledge."

“There’s this idea of the ‘Angry Black Woman,’ and I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, because I often feel like I’m put in that category. A lot of women of color are put in that category, when I think our anger is justified. I actually think that female anger isn’t that different from male anger. Boxing and football are, like, national fucking pastimes. And yet, when a woman expresses that she is unhappy with the way in which our society exists, that’s a big fucking problem. That’s crazy to me.” — Bust

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"We’re driven by one mission and one mission alone at Bumble — to shatter society’s antiquated gender norms by using technology and the power of connection to [put] women in charge of the conversation, and hopefully inch towards female and male equality. Something as simple as encouraging women to make the first move has given young females all over the world the confidence to go after what they want on their own terms. It’s given them a voice of authority in a conversation typically dominated by males. Women should never feel shame for going after what they want, personally and professionally, and hopefully Bumble is opening a few people’s eyes to an incredibly outdated way of thinking that’s permitted for far too long."

Where do you feel the most powerful?"Nothing compares to being hard at work with the team. When we’re all in a room creating, developing, debating, it’s an incredible rush. We’ve been together since the beginning, and we’ve all grown in such inspiring ways. And as we’ve grown as women, we’ve seen Bumble take hold and create a community of millions who are connecting each and every day in a way that challenges the norm of society. It’s a special time and one I will cherish forever."

If you had a superpower, what would it be?"To cure the sick."

Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is dreams becoming reality."

21 of 29

Name: Johnetta ElzieAge: 27Claim To Fame: Black Lives Matter activist and cofounder of Campaign ZeroHometown: St. Louis, Missouri How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"One of the most important things for me these past two years has been sharing information via Twitter/Facebook/Tumblr/Instagram/Snapchat/Periscope/Vine. Being connected with so many people through multiple social media platforms while being engaged and present during an action, community meeting, or a protest is amazingly powerful. I appreciate being able to offer my platform up as a truth-telling experience for Black people and allies of the movement." Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"I have been and continue to be profoundly influenced by the Black women who raised me. I come from an awesome tribe of complex women. That includes my mother and great-grandmother, who are deceased, along with my grandmother, aunt, and my younger sister, who live nearby in St. Louis. My little sister is my joy. She gives me purpose and has taught me the joy of loving outside of myself." Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I feel the most powerful when I am alone. Being an introvert, I need solitude to recharge. Usually by a body of water, just spending time with my thoughts to analyze, affirm, or release things back to the universe." If you had a superpower, what would it be?"If I had a superpower, it would be that the world would see, understand, and respect Black people’s humanity." Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is the people."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"I'm a woman with a fairly decent technology background, having spent the first half of my career as a software developer. BUT, unlike most developers, I'm an extremely social person. In my line of work, I use these two qualities to help create a connection between technology and people who can leverage tech to solve problems in their communities. I like to think of myself as a human bridge."

Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"I think of my mother as a powerful woman. She is my hugest source of inspiration. She's one of the few female engineers working at the Kenyan Pipeline Cooperation, AND an amazing mother to my brother and I. I can only hope to set the same example she's set for me for my own daughter.

"Juliana Rotich, is another source of inspiration; She's done amazing work in helping to build a robust technology ecosystem in Kenya and create awareness about it on a global scale."

Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"When I'm up on any 'stage,' speaking to people and sharing knowledge."

Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is being able to create a positive impact on other people's lives!"

How are you using your power to change the world for the better? "I just get up every day and do the work. I work on my self-love so that I can better give love to others. I work on my inner peace so that I can better embody and spread peace to others. Because we all have the ability to tap into loving kindness, we all have the power to change the world. I think it is important to remember that. Even if it is looking up at the stranger you pass on the street and saying hello with a smile…that recognition of their humanity could be all they need that day to change their world."

Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"I have many Sheroes, from women I have never even met, like Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Angela Davis, and Gloria Steinem to women I am lucky enough to spend much of my time with, like my mother, my arts collective, best friends of mine, like: Jenna Barclay, who taught me how to eat with a life-affirming attitude; Sade Lythcott, who runs the National Black Theater in Harlem and whose devotion to the arts, social justice, and community-building is endlessly inspiring to me; and also my dearest friend Megan Guip, who helped me find meditation and taught me about The Goddess and the Divine Feminine. A woman is really only as powerful as the tribe of women that support her."

Where or when do you feel the most powerful? "I feel most powerful when I am able to really compassionately listen to others. To really be there for people with love and non-judgmentalism is one of the most powerful things you could ever do."

Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is having the ability to give to others."

"I think one of the most painful things I went through making my record is realizing that you don't have to ask permission...to do a video saying something that you want to say. All you can do is follow your instincts."— Allure

"I am a huge advocate of empowering women — the idea of women supporting each other and supporting themselves and making strong choices that make them happy. I think, often, feminism gets a very narrow definition. It's not about making shit-tons of money and running a Fortune 500 company. It's about doing what makes you feel good as a woman, and if that's being a stay-at-home mom, you can be just as much of a feminist that way as you can as a fighter pilot."— Allure

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"I write comedy, which can feel frivolous sometimes, but I always try to write about things that matter. I try to funnel all my frustration at the world into jokes. Comedy doesn't mean anything if you're not saying anything."

Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"My mom, my fellow female TV writers (like my coworkers on The Good Place Aisha Muharrar and Jen Statsky), Kate Bush, Sharon Olds, Rosalind Franklin, Hello Kitty, Ginger Doodle." Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"When I'm lifting weights. As a woman, I love feeling muscular and physically powerful. I could probably punch someone pretty hard in the face. I'm not saying I'm Ronda Rousey, but I'm not not Ronda Rousey."

If you had a superpower, what would it be?"Eating carbs."

Advertisement

27 of 29

Name: Phoebe LovattAge: 28Claim To Fame: Founder of the Working Women's Club, which provides professional support to women in creative fields. Hometown: London, United Kingdom

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"By empowering other women. With The WW [Working Women's] Club, my goal is to provide the information, support, and inspiration that women need to live and work as they please. Work isn't everything, but it is a powerful way to achieve economic self-sufficiency and creative fulfillment — two essential components of a happy, liberated life." Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"My mother, first and foremost: She taught me how to be independent by example. (She's also absolutely hilarious. The ability to retain a sense of humor when the shit hits the fan is a superpower I always admire in other people).

"Otherwise, there are too many amazing women to mention, and I'd be terrified to list them through fear of missing someone... I've been so lucky to meet incredible women in all three of the cities that I've lived [London, L.A., and New York]. My goal is to pay a bit of that good fortune forward by asking these women to share their hard-earned insights with The WW Club community. Because they're amazing, they always say yes." Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"When I'm interviewing someone who inspires me, which is also when I most often experience that elusive 'flow' state. I'm a real believer in the art of conversation. Currently doing my best to become a master of that trade."

How are you using your power to change the world for the better?"Frankly, I never think about changing the world. I don’t try to inspire people. My only goal is to live in my truth, to live in the light, and to walk my yogic path — and if that happens to inspire others to live in THEIR truth, to live in THEIR light, and to walk THEIR yogic path, that’s dope. But I think it’s shortsighted and narcissistic to try and 'change the world for the better.' What the world needs is more people who are active participants in their own lives, without feeling compelled to float above others as some sort of 'powerful, life-changing' figure. That’s probably the most direct path towards a different world." Who are the powerful women who have inspired you the most in your life?"Nina Simone, Oprah Winfrey, Harriet Tubman."

Where or when do you feel the most powerful?"I feel the most powerful when I am standing in my truth, especially when I’m offering an unpopular opinion and I’m unsupported by others. The power to ignore the opinions of others is a vital currency like none other."

If you had a superpower, what would it be?"I believe each of us is filled with superpowers that extend beyond our imagination, and I don’t dream of having superpowers beyond my own potential. That being said, if I could be an X-Men, I’d be a hybrid of Wolverine and Mystique." Fill in the blank: Power is..."Power is misunderstood."